unity

noun

uni·​ty ˈyü-nə-tē 

plural unities

1

a

: the quality or state of not being multiple : oneness

b(1)

: a definite amount taken as one or for which 1 is made to stand in calculation

in a table of natural sines the radius of the circle is regarded as unity

(2)

: identity element

2

a

: a condition of harmony : accord

b

: continuity without deviation or change (as in purpose or action)

3

a

: the quality or state of being made one : unification

b

: a combination or ordering of parts in a literary or artistic production that constitutes a whole or promotes an undivided total effect

also : the resulting singleness of effect or symmetry and consistency of style and character

4

: a totality of related parts : an entity that is a complex or systematic whole

5

: any of three principles of dramatic structure derived by French classicists from Aristotle's Poetics and requiring a play to have a single action represented as occurring in one place and within one day

6

capitalized : a 20th century American religious movement that emphasizes spiritual sources of health and prosperity

Synonyms

• balance
• coherence
• concinnity
• consonance
• consonancy
• harmony
• orchestration
• proportion
• symmetry
• symphony

Examples of unity in a Sentence

a sense of national unity

there's an aesthetic unity to the sculpture garden that makes it an ideal spot for quiet relaxing

Recent Examples on the Web

Abundance in all areas of life, unity, calm and peace worldwide, and a bag of delicious no calories potato chips! —Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024

His impromptu words during the ceremony reflected a profound understanding of the menorah's symbolism — that even in the darkest moments, light and unity can prevail. —Fox News, 30 Dec. 2024

Carter used music as a powerful tool to embody and promote his vision of unity, human rights, and healing — a vision that resonates even more poignantly as the nation reflects on his legacy following his death on Sunday at 100. —Noah Eckstein, Variety, 29 Dec. 2024

The first two years post-takeover featured a headlong dash away from irrelevance and into the Champions League, powered by fierce momentum, unity and heavy spending, but 2024 comes to an end with the notion of progress far less easy to define. —George Caulkin, The Athletic, 29 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English unite, from Anglo-French unité, from Latin unitat-, unitas, from unus one — more at one

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

unity

noun

uni·​ty ˈyü-nət-ē 

plural unities

1

: the quality or state of being one

2

: the state of those that are in full agreement : harmony

3

a

: a mathematical quantity or combination of quantities treated as equivalent to one in a calculation

called the distance between earth and the sun unity and calculated other distances as multiples

b

: identity element

4

: the combination or arrangement of parts in a work of art or literature that produces a total effect

Legal Definition

unity

noun

uni·​ty ˈyü-nə-tē 

plural unities

1

: the quality or state of not being multiple : the quality or state of being one, single, whole, or the same

only if there is unity of ownership of the immovable and movables

2

: an aspect (as time, title, interest, or possession) of a joint tenancy that must be identical as it relates to the cotenants

such a conveyance severs the joint tenancy by removing the unities of time and title

Note: At common law, all four unities were required to be present for a joint tenancy. Conveying the interests of the cotenants at the same time creates the unity of time. Conveying the interests of the cotenants in the same instrument creates the unity of title. Conveying the same interest (as fee simple absolute) to the cotenants creates the unity of interest. Conveying a common right of possession or enjoyment creates the unity of possession.